The “five star salon experience” will be opened three years this November and already has a number of accolades under its belt, including All Ireland champion in Tara.

Despite her success across the world, Tara told the Journal she was “overwhelmed” to represent Donegal in the competition.

She said: “I entered the competition, which is run by Enterprise Ireland, online as a business add-on idea. I submitted a video clip and written application of a new business venture I would like to set up and expand my new idea. I am delighted and overwhelmed to be selected as a finalist for Donegal.”

Tara disclosed that as well as adding a new “exciting” feature to her current salon in Buncrana, she is also offering “a very exclusive, high end service” and planning to expand across Ireland on a “new business venture.”

She will now take part in the next regional and national stages of the competition, which will take place over the next few months.

She said: “This month is a lot of work as the finalists undergo a business bootcamp every day with main mentor Gerry Moan. It’s a great experience at my age to get professional advice in key business areas such as finance and marketing.This opportunity alone is an achievement in itself in order to gain this knowledge.”

Tara’s is the only hairdressing business in the competition and she is up against product designer and app inventors, among others.

“It’s amazing to see such a talented bunch of young Irish people and learn new skills from each other,” she said.

Tara disclosed how she hopes to expand the art of hairdressing to “another level”in Ireland.

She said: “In my career travelling to other countries competing, I see such a potential in this profession.”

Tara said that while hairdressing is “typically stereotyped” as a “low graded job anyone can do,” it is “ a career with a very specific set of skills a natural talent is required. She said: “The hairdressing and makeup industry is an amazing career choice with many avenues for young people, the sky is the limit..